Live: Blues bite back after horror start in must-win clash against Suns
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Carlton and Gold Coast are competing in a crucial match to keep their wildcard hopes alive.
- Carlton has recovered from a slow start, dominating possession and scoring to take the lead.
- Nic Newman of Carlton left the field with a hamstring injury.
Carlton has staged a comeback against Gold Coast at Docklands Stadium, fighting back after a difficult start to keep their wildcard aspirations alive. The match is critical for both teams' playoff chances.
The Blues have recorded the last eight inside 50s of this match to take a 12-9 overall lead.
After a sloppy opening 10 minutes, Carlton found their rhythm. Talor Byrne put the Blues on the board with a smart left-footed snap, followed by a goal from Will Hayward. The team's pressure has been evident, with 15 tackles to nine so far, Jagga Smith leading the effort with four.
How quickly fortunes change in this one! Suddenly Carlton is all over Gold Coast and once again there are open men everywhere inside 50.
Carlton's dominance continued as they recorded the last eight inside 50s, taking a 12-9 lead. Frankie Evans put the Blues ahead with a set shot after a mark and play-on from Jagga Smith. However, the team suffered a setback when Nic Newman limped off the ground with a hamstring injury after attempting to clear the ball in congestion.
Evans goes back and drills the set shot to put the Blues in front! It's been all Carlton in the last 10 minutes here.
Jed Walter of Gold Coast was penalized for holding the ball, a call that seemed questionable. Despite this, the Suns are struggling to move the ball into their attacking half, contributing to their current ladder positions. The article notes that both teams are currently performing at a mediocre level.
Talor Byrne is up and about early and he's on the board now!
Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.